Local Tea Party Leader Believes He Is A Hate Crime Victim

The leader of the Tea Party in Central Washington believes he's been the victim of a hate crime. Kirk Groenig says on February 21st his vehicle tires were slashed and the words t-bag and racist spray painted on side of the car while it was parked at his Ellensburg home. Groenig believes he's the target of certain groups because of his involvement in the local Tea Party group. No arrests have been made. The case is being handled by the Kittitas County Sheriff's office. Groenig says he and his wife feel threatened by the vandalism which he believes is the work of quote “radical homosexual community.” He believes he was targeted because of his beliefs and positions on gay marriage and immigration.